Lanka pull back India with four quick wickets

Off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal broke the double century stand between Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli on the second afternoon of the first Test at Galle International Stadium.

GALLE: Off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal and fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep pulled back India from running away towards a big first innings total by capturing four wickets for 47 runs in the afternoon session on the second day of the first Test at the Galle International Stadium.

At tea India still enjoyed a handy lead of 121 runs having moved to 304-6 with Wriddhiman Saha unbeaten on 25 and Harbhajan Singh on nought.

A double century stand between Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli saw India threatening to race away towards a massive first innings total.

But after Kohli had reached his century off 187 balls with 11 fours Kaushal who had gone wicketless for 17 overs and 91 runs made a double strike.

He trapped Kohli lbw and two balls later picked up the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane in a similar manner for a duck.

The second new ball taken after 86 overs brought Sri Lanka further success when Pradeep finally ended Dhawan’s marathon innings of 374 minutes when he played on to a delivery.

Dhawan who was dropped at 29 and 121 was out for 134 scored off 271 balls (13 fours). Kohli and Dhawan put on 227 for the third wicket.

Pradeep also removed Ravichandran Ashwin shortly before tea bowling him through the gate for seven to have figures of two for 70.